Detroit Lions' 'hidden' needs at linebacker, kicker

AP File PhotoThough DeAndre Levy proved the Lions could count on him to man the middle linebacker spot, Detroit could use some depth at the position, both inside and outside.

The Detroit Lions made a couple of moves last offseason to address their abysmal situation at linebacker.

Trading for Julian Peterson and drafting DeAndre Levy in the third round brought some playmakers to Detroit's second level. Though the Lions didn't re-sign Larry Foote, the starting linebackers are set: Ernie Sims on the weak side, Levy manning the middle and Peterson on the strong side.

Peachy-keen, jellybean, right?

Not so fast, points out Kevin Seifert. ESPN's NFC North blogger took a look at the teams' under-the-radar needs heading into April's draft, and comes to the logical conclusion that the Lions could use a few more backers to their line.

March 26, ESPN: With DeAndre Levy set to start at middle linebacker, the Lions don't have much depth behind outside linebackers Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims. Peterson will be 32 when training camp begins, and the Lions will need to identify a successor soon. Like the Bears, the Lions would help themselves by adding some extra bodies to the mix at left guard. Last year's rotation didn't work. And as long as we're talking about under-the-radar needs, we might as well include a placekicker. Jason Hanson is coming off a relatively down year, having missed seven of his 28 field goals, and will turn 40 in June. This is hardly a top need for the Lions, but perhaps they could identify Hanson's eventual successor late in the draft.

Do you agree with Seifert? Can you think of another position, besides linebacker and kicker, that is a bigger "under-the-radar" need for the Lions?